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The Blue Dragon's Geas #4
Pseudo-Dragon
Pseudo-Dragon is Book #4 in the Groundbreaking series THE BLUE DRAGON'S GEAS, which began with OUTCAST (Book #1).
When young Alador has mystical powers placed upon him, he sets off on an extraordinary quest to become a true pseudo-dragon, facing unspeakable danger from an ancient beast lurking in the shadows.
As part of his journey, Alador secretly helps the Daezun people without their knowledge and comes to rely on assistance from Rena, a young blue female dragon who is falling in love with him against her father’s wishes.
But when Alador travels to the city of Silverport to take his tier test and prove his abilities, he discovers that many council members are scheming against him in a struggle to maintain control over their land. Can he successfully navigate the delicate balance of politics and the machinations of his wicked uncle without setting off any unintended consequences?
Fortunately, Alador has several contacts operating under cloak and dagger, including Nemara, who is working secretly with Jon, the death mage, to help Alador rescue all the dragons held prisoner by the evil mages of Lerdenia. In Alador’s quest to end this senseless blood loss and claim his destiny, failure is not an option.
"A great tale of self discovery, dragons, and wizardry that is compelling because the world and the people feel real and are layered with complexity and depth. The author creates two really different human cultures and one distinct dragon culture then allows you to enjoy the main character's adventure in all three." R. Geist
When young Alador has mystical powers placed upon him, he sets off on an extraordinary quest to become a true pseudo-dragon, facing unspeakable danger from an ancient beast lurking in the shadows.
As part of his journey, Alador secretly helps the Daezun people without their knowledge and comes to rely on assistance from Rena, a young blue female dragon who is falling in love with him against her father’s wishes.
But when Alador travels to the city of Silverport to take his tier test and prove his abilities, he discovers that many council members are scheming against him in a struggle to maintain control over their land. Can he successfully navigate the delicate balance of politics and the machinations of his wicked uncle without setting off any unintended consequences?
Fortunately, Alador has several contacts operating under cloak and dagger, including Nemara, who is working secretly with Jon, the death mage, to help Alador rescue all the dragons held prisoner by the evil mages of Lerdenia. In Alador’s quest to end this senseless blood loss and claim his destiny, failure is not an option.
"A great tale of self discovery, dragons, and wizardry that is compelling because the world and the people feel real and are layered with complexity and depth. The author creates two really different human cultures and one distinct dragon culture then allows you to enjoy the main character's adventure in all three." R. Geist
- GenresFantasy
670 pages, Paperback
First published February 1, 2016
25 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Matthynssens
12 books239 followersCheryl Matthynssens was born in Upland, California, holds a teaching degree and is a licensed addictions counselor. This has allowed her to interview hundreds of personalities over her career.
She loves that everyone is unique and this appreciation and interest has informed and inspired her writing.
Matthynssens enjoys the universe of fantasy for the way it connects to the mind’s creativity and imagination as a colorful escape to distant lands of mystical beasts and fantastic quests where the hero really does save the day. As she’s matured artistically, Matthynssens has found writing to be a comforting counterbalance to a world where beloved characters don’t always get back up after they fall down.
Matthynssens currently lives in Riverside, Washington, and has four beautiful children and four wonderful grandchildren
She loves that everyone is unique and this appreciation and interest has informed and inspired her writing.
Matthynssens enjoys the universe of fantasy for the way it connects to the mind’s creativity and imagination as a colorful escape to distant lands of mystical beasts and fantastic quests where the hero really does save the day. As she’s matured artistically, Matthynssens has found writing to be a comforting counterbalance to a world where beloved characters don’t always get back up after they fall down.
Matthynssens currently lives in Riverside, Washington, and has four beautiful children and four wonderful grandchildren
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
March 13, 2016
A smooth and flawless continuation of a great story.
Ms Matthynssens has had me awaiting each new book, with anticipation of where the story would lead me. I have been unable to stop reading until I have finished the book. This last book has been no different. I have been unable to set it down, my eyes have been glued to each page as I finally reached the end. The last two pages were such a fantastic twist, it leaves me with so many question and no answers. I wish her all the best and hope she continues in her recovery. She is an amazing story teller, and the world would have felt her loss deeply. I hope people read this review and are filled with a need to discover Ms Matthynssens and her unique story telling ability. She has captured my imagination as few have before her.
Ms Matthynssens has had me awaiting each new book, with anticipation of where the story would lead me. I have been unable to stop reading until I have finished the book. This last book has been no different. I have been unable to set it down, my eyes have been glued to each page as I finally reached the end. The last two pages were such a fantastic twist, it leaves me with so many question and no answers. I wish her all the best and hope she continues in her recovery. She is an amazing story teller, and the world would have felt her loss deeply. I hope people read this review and are filled with a need to discover Ms Matthynssens and her unique story telling ability. She has captured my imagination as few have before her.
February 2, 2016
Great read
Another great book. You know it's good when it leaves you wanting more. I like the way the main character is growing. He's definitely not a wimp. I can't wait till the next one.
Another great book. You know it's good when it leaves you wanting more. I like the way the main character is growing. He's definitely not a wimp. I can't wait till the next one.
September 7, 2016
Below is the review that I received from Kirkus Reviews. Not sure how else to get this up here. Thank you to everyone that voted Pseudo-Dragon to 3rd for Little Known Fantasy Books.
KIRKUS REVIEW
In the fourth YA fantasy adventure of Matthynssens’ (Magic Scorned, 2015, etc.) series, a young water mage gains an immense advantage.
Alador has been training for the elite Blackguard in the Lerdenian capital of Silverport. There, he’s been taken under the wing of his villainous uncle, High Minister Luthian, who tolerates the lad, a half-breed Daezun, as he’s capable of wielding magic. Luthian’s goal, however, is to concoct foul weather to destroy the Daezun people’s crops and starve the villagers into submission. Alador, who now possesses the dragon stone of Renamaum, must fulfill the beast’s last wish before inheriting his lore and magical knowledge. Alador and his father, the mage Henrick, travel to Renamaum’s family cave and bring about a brief transformation that reunites the dragon with his mate, Pruatra. Afterward, Alador and Renamaum merge; as a result, the lad becomes a pseudo-dragon and learns a startling secret from the beast. Meanwhile, Henrick gives Alador a tome of necromantic spells that once belonged to the deceitful wizard Rydanth Guldalian, telling him, “It is not the sword or the book that is evil my son, but rather the man who wields them.” Alador accepts it, knowing he’ll need every possible tool to end the enterprise of the Bloodmines, which bleeds dragons of their magic. For this latest outing to the world of Vesta, Matthynssens drops new and returning readers alike into deep narrative waters. The tale starts with a scene involving the Trench Lord, Sordith, as he battles his own men who attempt to assassinate his and Alador’s father, Henrick. Then there’s the Goddess Dethara, who’s darkened the horizon of Silverport by courting the recently manifested pseudo-dragon. Certain narrative threads involving the characters of Mesiande (in Smallbrook) and Jon (in the Bloodmines) remain untouched until Matthynssens finally finds space for them in her methodical tapestry. Although the prose can be a bit bulky, it’s often evocative, as when Renamaum and Pruatra “broke through the clouds and...the stars shimmered in the cool, brisk air.” As the narrative tension grows, so does Alador’s power—but major resolutions await in a future volume.
The dense, emotionally fraught worldbuilding continues in this series installment.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
KIRKUS REVIEW
In the fourth YA fantasy adventure of Matthynssens’ (Magic Scorned, 2015, etc.) series, a young water mage gains an immense advantage.
Alador has been training for the elite Blackguard in the Lerdenian capital of Silverport. There, he’s been taken under the wing of his villainous uncle, High Minister Luthian, who tolerates the lad, a half-breed Daezun, as he’s capable of wielding magic. Luthian’s goal, however, is to concoct foul weather to destroy the Daezun people’s crops and starve the villagers into submission. Alador, who now possesses the dragon stone of Renamaum, must fulfill the beast’s last wish before inheriting his lore and magical knowledge. Alador and his father, the mage Henrick, travel to Renamaum’s family cave and bring about a brief transformation that reunites the dragon with his mate, Pruatra. Afterward, Alador and Renamaum merge; as a result, the lad becomes a pseudo-dragon and learns a startling secret from the beast. Meanwhile, Henrick gives Alador a tome of necromantic spells that once belonged to the deceitful wizard Rydanth Guldalian, telling him, “It is not the sword or the book that is evil my son, but rather the man who wields them.” Alador accepts it, knowing he’ll need every possible tool to end the enterprise of the Bloodmines, which bleeds dragons of their magic. For this latest outing to the world of Vesta, Matthynssens drops new and returning readers alike into deep narrative waters. The tale starts with a scene involving the Trench Lord, Sordith, as he battles his own men who attempt to assassinate his and Alador’s father, Henrick. Then there’s the Goddess Dethara, who’s darkened the horizon of Silverport by courting the recently manifested pseudo-dragon. Certain narrative threads involving the characters of Mesiande (in Smallbrook) and Jon (in the Bloodmines) remain untouched until Matthynssens finally finds space for them in her methodical tapestry. Although the prose can be a bit bulky, it’s often evocative, as when Renamaum and Pruatra “broke through the clouds and...the stars shimmered in the cool, brisk air.” As the narrative tension grows, so does Alador’s power—but major resolutions await in a future volume.
The dense, emotionally fraught worldbuilding continues in this series installment.
https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-re...
June 21, 2016
I have followed this story closely from the very beginning, and confidently state that Cheryl Matthynssens never fails to impress with the strength and depth of her imaginative vision. In this latest volume, she took me to places I had never even dreamed of going, surprising and impressing me in equal measure.
The characters are strong, the issues complex and the story totally relevant as a penetrating analysis of the human condition, albeit it in this wonderfully entertaining fantasy setting. It is very well-written. I recommend this series without reservation.
The characters are strong, the issues complex and the story totally relevant as a penetrating analysis of the human condition, albeit it in this wonderfully entertaining fantasy setting. It is very well-written. I recommend this series without reservation.
March 22, 2016
Brilliant world building and well-imagined characters are the mainstay of this series but Pseudo Dragon for me is the best so far. There are a couple of reasons for this. One, the series is maturing along with the characters but it always feels fresh and exciting. Secondly, the plots are always awesome with unexpected twists and turns whilst allowing the characters to further grow and develop. For my money this is one of the best series in this genre.
July 6, 2016
Well worth the wait...
Cheryl has delivered yet again! This time a masterful balance of character, intrigue, battle, and magic. Pseudo-Dragon will take you to the highest of highs and rip your heart in two, just in time for it to be mended again. My only prayer and hope is that it will not be quite so long until the next and last book of this series will be released to conclude this story about Alador and his geas.
Cheryl has delivered yet again! This time a masterful balance of character, intrigue, battle, and magic. Pseudo-Dragon will take you to the highest of highs and rip your heart in two, just in time for it to be mended again. My only prayer and hope is that it will not be quite so long until the next and last book of this series will be released to conclude this story about Alador and his geas.
March 12, 2016
I think I'm suffering a touch of emotional whiplash! This book is absolutely the strongest in the series. There are some highly surprising twists, and the action moves along at just the right place. I can hardly wait for the next book!
February 23, 2016
Excellent
I have been greatly enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. I would give this book five stars but there were an awful lot of typos. Still, even with the typos I could not put this book down.
I have been greatly enjoying this series and can't wait for the next book. I would give this book five stars but there were an awful lot of typos. Still, even with the typos I could not put this book down.
February 8, 2021
I love this series. A real page turner. Highly recommended.
February 23, 2016
Great book yet again!
I would say my only complaint is that I read the book to fast not being able put it down
I would say my only complaint is that I read the book to fast not being able put it down
August 16, 2016
Great story
If you are a fan of dragon fantasy, this book has them in perfect quantity. The dragons and humans have engaging relationships making this a must-read in this genre.
If you are a fan of dragon fantasy, this book has them in perfect quantity. The dragons and humans have engaging relationships making this a must-read in this genre.
July 3, 2018
Exciting!
I am eager and reticent to read the next and final book. Another winner to this exciting series and the author has managed to keep me enthralled to this point.
The emotions tied into the various characters and the authors ability to engage the reader stand out amidst the many books available today.
Well done again.
I am eager and reticent to read the next and final book. Another winner to this exciting series and the author has managed to keep me enthralled to this point.
The emotions tied into the various characters and the authors ability to engage the reader stand out amidst the many books available today.
Well done again.
January 12, 2019
Awesome
Awesome read with treachery abounding amongst the twists and turns while working with the dragons to save their eggs and fledgings.
Awesome read with treachery abounding amongst the twists and turns while working with the dragons to save their eggs and fledgings.
April 17, 2016
Loved it cant wait till book 5
This book was well written and longest one yet. Lots of action and dragons :). The suspense keeps you wanting to read more. If you love dragons this book for you. Though be warned sad stuff will happen in the book. There happy and sad parts in the book but that's what makes it a good book as if it was only happy it be boring probably and if only sad no one would want to read it.
This book was well written and longest one yet. Lots of action and dragons :). The suspense keeps you wanting to read more. If you love dragons this book for you. Though be warned sad stuff will happen in the book. There happy and sad parts in the book but that's what makes it a good book as if it was only happy it be boring probably and if only sad no one would want to read it.
April 5, 2016
It was an entertaining read, but I had the feeling that it could have been better....
I liked the first two books better.
The story moves forward at a nice pace (a tad too fast at some places), but it fails to completely pull in the reader as the first books did.
Still, I have enjoyed the series....
Looking forward to the next book....
I liked the first two books better.
The story moves forward at a nice pace (a tad too fast at some places), but it fails to completely pull in the reader as the first books did.
Still, I have enjoyed the series....
Looking forward to the next book....
March 27, 2016
Best Book of Series So Far
I have read all books in this series and I believe that Pseudo-Dragon is the best so far. I enjoyed how the author laid out the story and the connections between Aldor and the Dragons. Great read and as always I look forward to the next book.
I have read all books in this series and I believe that Pseudo-Dragon is the best so far. I enjoyed how the author laid out the story and the connections between Aldor and the Dragons. Great read and as always I look forward to the next book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews